Porzingis-led rally sputters

Rookie center sparks Knicks' comeback, but Mavs hold on for a win

Associated Press

Updated 12:29 am, Tuesday, December 8, 2015

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NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 07: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks heads for the net in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at Madison Square Garden on December 7, 2015 in New York City.The Dallas Mavericks defeated the New York Knicks 104-97. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 575727079 less

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 07: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks heads for the net in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at Madison Square Garden on December 7, 2015 in New York City.The ... more

Porzingis finished with 28 points in his first matchup with Nowitzki, the German great he has been compared to for his perimeter shooting skills by a 7-footer.

The Latvian rookie made consecutive 3-pointers as the Knicks cut what had been a 23-point deficit to 101-97 with 43 seconds left, then blocked Deron Williams' shot. But Carmelo Anthony was called for an offensive foul as the Knicks were trying to work to get the ball to Porzingis for another shot, and Nowitzki followed with a free throw before Williams made two more to close it out.

Note: In a surprising move designed to shake up a franchise sunk in a grueling rebuilding process, the Philadelphia 76ers named longtime NBA executive Jerry Colangelo as chairman of basketball operations on Monday. Colangelo, the chairman of USA Basketball, also will serve as an adviser to team ownership. Colangelo had a long career with the Phoenix Suns, serving as coach, CEO and general manager, among other roles. He was also on the NBA's board of governors. Colangelo was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2004 as a contributor, considered one of the most influential owners in NBA history.